The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”), implemented a fully cashless payment system at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”) for the first time at any World Expo.
The Association has conducted a survey on the effectiveness of the fully cashless payment systems at the Expo and is pleased to announce the results.
At the Expo, the 235 on-site stores accepted 73 payment brands, the largest number in Japan. This enabled the implementation of the first ever fully cashless Expo site in the history of the World Expo. The survey results show that visitor satisfaction exceeded 90%, and store operations were streamlined with time spent on payment-related tasks reduced to approximately one-tenth of that required for cash payments. This shows that the cashless payment system significantly contributed to a pleasant visitor experience and smooth store operations. Furthermore, signs of behavioural change across society were observed, such as an increase in visitors’ willingness to use cashless methods in their daily lives. These results represent a significant achievement in advancing Japan’s cashless society.
▽ Report on the Effectiveness of Fully Cashless Payment Operations at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
・Report Date: Monday, 17 November 2025
・Full Report: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/251117_cashles_report_r2.pdf (Japanese)
▽ Report Summary
１．At Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the entire site was positioned as a “People’s Living Lab; A laboratory for future society.” For its 184 days, the Expo was entirely cashless with no cash accepted, for the first time in World Expo history. Despite welcoming approximately 29 million visitors, there were no system failures or other issues during the Expo period, and 235 shops accepted 73 payment brands, the largest number in Japan. Furthermore, to promote visitor understanding and ensure smooth cashless operations during the Expo, nationwide awareness-raising activities were conducted prior to the opening in collaboration with cashless-related companies and industry organisations.
2．As a result of providing a variety of payment methods and conducting thorough publicity activities, there were no major complaints from visitors about the Expo site being fully cashless. Compared to outside the Expo site, the proportion of code payments and electronic money used was higher. Cashless payments at the Expo site, including these payment methods, proved to be user-friendly even for people who do not normally use cashless payment, and over 90% of visitors expressed an intention to continue using cashless payments in their daily lives in the future. This is significant as it confirmed that even in Japan, which is often considered to be a cash-based society, it is possible to establish a foundation for consumers, including the elderly, to accept a completely cashless system if a convenient environment is provided.
3．The significance of implementing a fully cashless system for stores was also reaffirmed. Over 90% of stores reported that implementing fully cashless payments improved efficiency, including reduced operational burden from cash management and reduced the risks associated with handling cash. Compared to stores with conventional cash management systems, the total time required for payment-related tasks was reduced to approximately one-tenth. The time per transaction at the register was also roughly halved. This reduced transaction time improved store turnover rate, which is particularly beneficial at large-scale events attracting large numbers of people. Furthermore, over 70% of stores responded that they want to continue implementing cashless payment systems in the future. Considering these benefits, this experience of going fully cashless at a large-scale event could lead to the adoption of cashless systems at other stores. Therefore, cashless initiatives at large-scale events and similar venues could be a crucial measure for promoting cashless payments.
4．Meanwhile, individual stores reported challenges with implementing a fully cashless system, such as increased operational costs such as fees, customer complaints about the lack of non-cashless payment options, and technical issues. At the Expo site, measures were implemented including the provision of payment terminals free of charge (some for a fee), the establishment of visitor support systems (such as information desks for visitors unfamiliar with cashless payments, the sale of prepaid cards, and the installation of 65 cash-charging machines at participating shops), and the development of rapid recovery procedures and cash backup systems for system failures. However, addressing these challenges is considered key to increasing the adoption of cashless payments across society in the future.
５．This demonstration provided visitors with a comfortable experience through cashless payments. For retail stores, it has improved operational efficiency by reducing the burden of cash management. We believe that the first fully cashless payment system in the history of the World Expo was a great success.
(For Reference)
▽ About Cashless Payments at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/cashless/